Latest News – Martin Whitfield MSP
Marking Islamophobia Awareness Month
Martin Whitfield MSP has joined parliamentary colleagues in helping mark this year's Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) at Holyrood. MSPs came together to attend a photo call in support of IAM organised by Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND). IAM was launched by British Muslim organisations in 2012 to challenge stereotypes about Islam and raise awareness of Islamophobia. Every November, the campaign works with stakeholders including the police, schools, universities, community organisations and elected representatives. For 2023, the theme for IAM is #MuslimStories. The aim is to create connections between people from diverse faiths and backgrounds by sharing stories and creating meaningful [...]
Honouring Armed Forces service & sacrifice
Ahead of this year’s Remembrance services, Martin Whitfield MSP has called for residents in South Scotland to honour and remember the sacrifice of our UK Armed Forces on Armistice Day [11 November] and Remembrance Sunday [12 November]. On 11 and 12 November, communities nationwide will mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday together, paying tribute to those who fought and died in the First World War and all conflicts since. Today, our UK and Commonwealth servicemen and servicewomen continue to play a vital role in protecting British interests and values, training Ukrainian forces and upholding security and stability worldwide. PoppyScotland and [...]
Martin attends Absent Friends Week
Martin Whitfield MSP has attended North Berwick Coastal Community Connections' Absent Friends Week at St Andrew Blackadder Church. North Berwick Coastal Community Connections organises a range of activities and events to support socially isolated adults connect into local networks, gatherings, purposeful activity and develop new friendships. The group organised Absent Friends Week with the aim of helping communities to have open conversations about grief, death, dying and terminal illness. Mr Whitfield was invited to attend during the week to find out more about the charity's work and walk the thought-provoking Labyrinth, a time for quiet contemplation, thought, next steps and [...]
Comment on East Lothian Foodbank
Commenting on the news that East Lothian Foodbank is looking for new, bigger premises, Martin Whitfield MSP said: “The fact that the Foodbank has outgrown its current premises and is looking for somewhere much bigger underlines the significant and increasing demand it continues to experience. “Earlier this year the Scottish Government finally published its plans for ending the need for foodbanks, but this news demonstrates how distant that goal is currently. "However, as long as the need continues in our communities, I will always support the foodbank, including with its search for new premises.”
Future of Lammermuir Festival raised
The potential impact of Creative Scotland’s decision to cut future funding for Lammermuir Festival has been raised in the Scottish Parliament by Martin Whitfield MSP. Mr Whitfield raised the matter at Portfolio Question Time, asking Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, about the effect the funding cut could have on the Festival’s future. In replying, Mr Robertson described the South Scotland MSP as “a doughty campaigner for Lammermuir Festival” before reiterating that financial decisions around specific organisations or events are matters for Creative Scotland, not government ministers. Speaking after his question, Martin Whitfield MSP said: “I [...]
Scottish Poppy Appeal launched
Martin Whitfield MSP has welcomed the launch of this year's Scottish Poppy Appeal. The launch of the 2023 campaign took place at the Scottish Parliament and was hosted by Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone. This year, PoppyScotland have introduced a new plastic-free poppy, made entirely from paper, but maintaining the iconic four petal poppy design. The change to plastic-free reinforces Poppyscotland’s drive to be more sustainable and reduce its impact on the environment, while ensuring that the poppy continues to be a national symbol of Remembrance for the service and sacrifices of the Armed Forces community. Martin Whitfield MSP said: "I was [...]